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Best monitor for photo editing reviews

Last Updated: 07.06.20

If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to go through all the reviews and buying advice compiled by our researchers but you do want to find the best monitor for photo editing money can buy, this short paragraph should tell you everything you need to know. We have gathered a lot of information about different options in this category by consulting expert review sites for photo editing equipment along with actual owner feedback for comparison of different brands and models. After looking at various products for sale, we have found what we believe is the number one choice for consumers, the Dell UltraSharp U2412M. This exceptional monitor boasts a 24-inch LED backlit screen that provides optimal workspace to do all your photo editing tasks on a single display, allowing you to open multiple pages and applications simultaneously and not have to continuously minimize/maximize, providing smooth workflow. The screen boasts a remarkable 16:10 widescreen aspect ratio with 16.78 million colors so you enjoy fantastic clarity and an amazing palette to work with. With its 8-millisecond response time, the monitor will enable you to do more each day. You have the option to swivel, tilt or rotate the monitor to suit your preferred viewing angle. In the event that the Dell UltraSharp U2412M runs out of stock , we highly recommend getting the second best option, the Asus VE228H.

Comparison Table

The 10-bit display allows for very smooth shading and color transitions. The RGB blending accuracy is enhanced by special technologies, such as the 14 bit 3D LUT. Hardware calibration is provided so you can match what you see on the screen with the original without fiddling with the output from your graphics card. The 2560x1440 QHD Resolution ensures high quality image.

Response time seems to be on the higher side, so some light blurring may occur when fast paced action happens on the screen.

This is a top monitor for photo editing, as its great colors and blending capabilities create the most close to the original source effect.

This IPS monitor sports great performance and it can be adjusted and customized as the user sees fit. The superior 1920x1200 resolution contribute to the high image quality rendered on the screen. Color consistency is great across the entire screen. Good connectivity includes USB ports, DVI and DisplayPort. Height can be adjusted, and overall this is a highly versatile model.

Although connectivity is good, the lack of a card reader make it less than ideal for those who want to see pictures on the screen.

Superior image quality recommends this monitor that is very adjustable and sports reliable connectivity for all users.

The monitor is made with LED backlight, for enhanced brightness and consistency across the screen. The high dynamic contrast ratio makes blacks blacker and whites whiter for maximum sharpness and accuracy. Made of 80% recyclable materials, this monitor is environmentally friendly. It is also Energy Star certified, so you will pay less on the power consumed every month.

Calibrating colors can be a cumbersome process, especially since those out of the box may not be to everyone’s liking.

A monitor ideal for anyone looking for an eco-friendly solution without sacrificing quality and overall performance.

Buying Guide

For those who are not keen on keeping up with the latest happenings in technology, trying to decide which monitor for photo editing is the best can be a little confusing. Manufacturers throw numbers and information at you without explaining what they mean.

We have created this brief guide to help you understand what some of the main groups of numbers mean and what you should focus on when you are trying to choose a new monitor for photo editing.

Aspect Ratio

If you ever see a ratio like 4:3 aspect or 16:10 aspect, this is referring to an aspect ratio. What this mean is how wide the screen is. New monitors are generally 16:10 or 16:9. One of the largest misconceptions that people have about widescreen monitors is that it will alter the images on the screen and stretch them out. In all actuality, when the resolution is set correctly, the graphics card will display the images correctly. Wide screen monitors are ideal for photo editing because it gives you a larger space for palettes and it won’t block your art board.

Brightness

The display brightness is measured in Candelas per square meter (cd/m2). Most monitors display levels that can reach as high as 400 cd/m2… But be warned that levels this high could burn the back light prematurely and look way too bright. It is recommended that when you calibrate your display, aim for levels between 80 to 120 cd/m2.

Lighting

The type of backlighting that is used for your monitor can greatly determine the quality of the picture display. RGB LED backlighting is more suitable for photographers and those who manipulate images frequently because it provides a higher colour gamut, plus they offer more precise colours than other lighting options like EL-WLED.

When you are deciding on a new monitor for photo editing, you will want to do extensive research on the most popular models. Compare the reviews, the aspect ratios, and see what kind of lighting is used. By doing this research, you will be able to gauge which monitor is best for your particular needs.

Products for specific needs

Best Monitor for Photo Editing under $500

Perfect Pixel Yamakasi 301 Sparta

If you are looking for a large HD monitor, this 30” monitor is one of the best monitors for photo editing under $500. This particular monitor has an external transformer and a cable that is Korean, however, an adapter is included with the monitor to fit in American outlets. The base of the monitor is made of a thick glass, giving the monitor a sleek and professional look. You can move the monitor left and right, which gives you several angles to look at your images from. The DVI-D cable is provided so that you have the right cable when connecting it to your video card. The resolution on this massive monitor can be as large as 2560 x 1600. With a resolution this large, you will be able to view and edit your photographs in much more detail.

Best 27 Inch Monitor for Photo Editing

Samsung Wide Viewing Angle

This monitor measures 27-inches and features 1080p HD resolution with Mega DCR, which provides a rich and colourful picture quality. The extra-wide viewing angle gives you an immersive viewing experience, no matter where you are sitting. The Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio (Mega DCR) enriches the viewing experience because it gives you true-to-life colours and manages contrast ratios in real time. The Magic Upscale feature makes this the best 27 inch monitor for photo editing because it prevents image degradation. Your images are crisp and vivid, allowing you to edit your images exactly how you envision them, instead of having to settle for lower quality images, simply because your screen cannot display the photos clearly in high definition like this monitor.

Best Monitor for Photo Editing and Gaming

Acer K272HUL

The K-Series LCD monitor is designed for high-definition and has a resolution of 2560 x 1440, which creates a stunning picture. Because of the high resolution, this monitor is one of the best monitors for photo editing and gaming. The images are sharp and crystal clear. You can enjoy 16:9 HD digital content without experiencing any distortion and the speedy 6ms response time reduces deviation in transition times or frame rates. This creates an immersive viewing experience like no other monitor on the market. You can attach other devices to this monitor via one of the two HDMI ports, a DVI port or from the display ports (on going in and one going out).

Top rated monitors for photo editing in 2020

The whole output of the computer is relying on its monitor. If you are using your computer for any special purpose then you also requires special monitor. Monitors that are used for gaming and photo editing purposes should have high resolution and good picture display. This article has some best monitorsthat are good in their function.

Dell UltraSharp U2412M

Variation is always good and this monitor offers flexibility in picking the view that works best for you. This monitor has the wide range to tilt, pivot and adjusts heights. It is not only smart in providing variation but it also gives the increase viewing area. It has amazing and best quality colors to make every single thing sharper. It also has customizable energy feature. You can adjust colors of the text, reduces its brightness etc to save energy. It is good for the environment too; it has mercury and arsenic free panels.

As the best budget monitor for photo editing the U2412M offers blur-free imaging due to the 2 million:1 high dynamic contrast ratio

Energy Star Rated (5.1) and CEL compliant this monitor combines flexibility with viewing comfort, letting users see it from different angles

Incorporates USB ports, DVI ports and DisplayPort which make it connectable with keyboards and other peripherals

Cons

Does not offer HDMI input

Some assembly might be needed (consult the user manual for proper assistance)

“When I read what features it had, I was impressed. I continued reading a few reviews about it and I was convinced into buy it. I turns out that I was right and because of its top features, I can use it for quality photo editing.” – Gregg Wilson

Asus VE228H

If you looking for the monitor that can fulfill your entertainment need then this monitor is the best for you. It has many special features that can take your entertainment to whole new level. Firstly, it is best in providing high definition images; it has resolution of 1920 X 1080. Along with this, its pixel pitch is around 0.248mm. Its quality color display always makes sure that you get the perfect colors and increases the quality of your any image. It is also present with speakers.

Pros

Designed by Asus skilled engineers, this 21.5” widescreen LED monitor offers crystal clear and realistic images, with rich colours and vivid brightness, essential during photo editing

Features LED backlight technology and SPLENDID Video Intelligence technology which manage the overall behaviour of the colours during image changes

Energy Star Rated (5.0 certified) this monitor does not contain any mercury for added work safety

With a sleek but also sophisticated design the VE228H represents a great addition to any photographer

Cons

The incorporated speaker system is not very powerful but for the price it handles songs better than other models

The screen adjustment menu takes a while to master

“The Asus VE228H has proven to be the best deal I could have made for the money I was prepared to spend . While most people buy it for gaming purposes, I got it for video editing. The video quality is sublime and can only I recommend it as one of the best rated monitors in 2020.” – Frank Oliver

Viewsonic VX2453MH

This 24 inches monitor has color display and shows the picture in best possible quality. It has full HD resolution of 1920 x1080 p. Every picture that is viewed on this LED monitor is sharp and crispy that makes it one of the best monitor for photo editing. It has ultra thin shape and designed to be fit anywhere and looks beautiful. It is good on energy bills and saves up to 40 % of electricity. It is also equipped with speakers and gives clear and loud sound.

Pros

This 24-inch LED widescreen monitor offers Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) with rich and bright colours, making it great for people that edit images in Adobe Photoshop or CorelDraw

Benefiting from an exclusive 3 year warranty this monitor is Energy Star 5.0 certified which means at the end of each month the electric bill will allow users to save some money

It offers bookstand configuratin that becomes the perfect companion display during business or study presentations

“For my PC, I wanted a monitor with top video features, so I could do a bit of photo editing. This hobby of mine is even more pleasant with this monitor from Viewsonic. It is definitely a great model which I got for under $500 because it had a Black Frida discount..” – Eddy Madsen

AOC e2050wd

A reliable monitor is what gamers and photo enthusiasts need, but if you are from the second category you should seriously consider getting the AOC e2050wd because it has been voted as one of the best monitors for photo editing in 2020. This 20 inch monitor can be mounted on the wall even and offers a top picture quality. The design is also ultra-slim and it doesn’t weight almost anything.

Incorporating user-friendly settings the e2050Swd LED monitor is very easy to manage while the Kensington Security Slot provides impressive anti-theft security

Due to the 20.000.000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 5 MS response time and 16:9 aspect ratio every image will be clear with intense colors

It offers 5 special display modes (sport, text, movie, game and internet) which manage to accommodate the most common viewing conditions a person might encounter

Cons

The fairly simple design is counterbalanced by the vivid image clarity

Does not come with tilt option

“From a price-quality ratio this was the best choice I could have made. I put it to a lot of tests and it didn’t disappoint one bit. Video editing is well within this monitor’s capabilities, so this makes me a happy customer. I don’t know who makes the best monitors, but I do know this top 10 model from AOC is all that I need.” – Robert Johnston

Viewsonic VX2450WM

Picture editing is not an easy task. Some pictures require details of every object to make them masterpiece. This 24 inches color and full HD monitor is best monitor for photo editing. It has very wide screen to make everything clearer. It has the quality to adjust the color and contrast of the picture automatically so you can always see the best high definition image. It has the resolution of 1920 x 1080p. This monitor is also capable of saving much amount of energy. It provides up to 50 % saving of electricity.

Considered the best budget monitor for photo editing the VX2450WM-LED comes with integrated stereo speakers and digital and analog inputs

Backed by an exclusive 3 year warranty this widescreen LED monitor is VESA compliant so users have the possibility of installing it on the wall

With a slim and stylish design this 24 inch monitor represents a great investment for photographers that spend a lot of time editing photos

Cons

At different angles colors register a tendency to shift but with the right color calibration such situations can be avoided

“For a very decent price range I managed to get this LED monitor. It consumes less power than my old LCD, plus has a better picture quality. This makes me a satisfied customer and I must recommend it for its top performances.” – Christian Hunter

HP Pavilion 21.5-Inch IPS

The HP Pavilion LED Monitor is a great option for people who are looking for a device that’s very good for photo editing. Even though it is considerably more affordable compared to other products in the same line, this HP unit does what it’s supposed to do and offers all advantages in terms of imagery and color fidelity. The fact of the matter is that the HP Pavilion seems to have been specially designed for photo editing and printing, as the IPS technology makes sure that the user sees the picture the same from almost any angle. Let’s see what makes the HP Pavilion stand out from the plethora of other monitors that now exist on the market.

Pros

The model comes with the In-Plane Switching Technology.

This product features its own stand so that owners are not required to purchase a suitable one separately.

The Full HD 1920 by 1080 resolution of this option is something to look forward to, as is the 8,000,000:1 contrast ratio and the 16:9 aspect ratio.

The HP Pavilion can be utilized for gaming as it has a response time of just seven mms.

Cons

The height of the monitor cannot be adjusted.

Some users have run into some issues when connecting the monitor to a MacBook.

Viewsonic VA2448M – no longer available

This monitor is in demand and likable by many people because of its extremely useful features. This LED monitor has the screen size of 24 inches. It gives the Full HD view because of its highest resolution i.e. 1080 p. It has thin design and can be mounted in wall and placed according to your need. It is the full multimedia provider and has integrated speakers also that produce quality and clear sound. Its color adjustment and bright color makes it ideal to be used for gaming and photo editing.

“Getting a Full HD monitor was a priority for me because I wanted to play the games that I like and also to edit some photos. After doing a bit of market research I came across this model from Viewsonic and thanks to it, I can do the things that I want in the best conditions possible. It was the best Xmas gift I made for myself, ever.” – Nick Stoner

Monitors for photo editing – What to look for:

Photography is becoming more and more popular these days, as a hobby or as a full time profession. Technological progress has really improved the quality of your normal camera and also has made the photo editing options more diverse. As you get more passionate about photography, you will start to edit your photos more often and for this you need the right kind of monitor. Since you don’t have experience in finding a monitor, a often asked question arises: What model to go for? We will answer this question by giving you the knowledge to pick out the right solution. And the end of this buying guide, you will know exactly what monitor is within your reach.

There are a few general things to look for in a monitor and the first one is the image quality. The ideal monitor should produce more than 500 million different colors, so you can modify your photos professionally. Afterwards, you need to look for a monitor which won’t shift the colors as you are viewing the screen from different angles. Generally, LCD screens have a problem with this feature and may darken the colors if they are not of top quality. The next step is to test the monitor’s color precision, to make sure it doesn’t change the tone of the picture coloring.

The features and tips we describe in this buying guide, have been chosen by us after we read the most reputable monitor reviews. Our professional team also added pieces of info from their own personal experience with different monitors.

In some cases, the problem related to shifting color tones is not with your monitor, it can be with the PC’s graphics card. You should upgrade it every now and then, to make sure this doesn’t become an issue for you. If you have a new generation monitor and an obsolete graphics card, you are going nowhere with your photo editing possibilities. Also, check how well you can read texts that will appear in your photos. This can be a good way to reveal the monitor’s quality. Next, we are going to present the types of monitors recommended for photography. From one of these categories, you can choose the model you think is the best monitor for photo editing in 2020.

The LCD monitors are the most common on the market and there are subcategories to such a monitor. IPS (in-plane switching) is most recommended subcategory by specialists, with the most precise color readings. Also, TN and VA monitors are reliable choices, but inferior and less expensive. And if you are thinking of a LED monitor, then you should invest in a RGB-LED model, which has a superior color accuracy and color gamut.

Take these features into consideration and you will be able to select the right type of monitor. Then you can start editing photos and videos professionally with stunning end results. For more insight about different models, you should check out the best monitor for photo editing reviews. Thebest monitor for photo editing in 2020, can be yours, if you are aware of a few basic features.Stay informed about what you are buying and you will undoubtedly make the correct decision.

Things to consider:

– A High image quality;

– A superior color accuracy;

– The colors shouldn’t change too much when shifting the angle of view;

– The best LCD monitors are the IPS ones; TN and VA models are good as well and less expensive;

– For LED technology get the RGB-LED monitors for superior color precision and gamut.

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